Full Day Tour to Waqrapukara Fortress
Duration
From
Overview
Waqrapukara (also spelt Wacrapucara) is a dramatic pre-Inca archaeological site perched high in the Andes of southern Peru. Its name comes from Quechua: waqra (horn) and pukara (fortress) — meaning “Horn Fortress”, inspired by its two towering rock formations that resemble horns.
Located in the district of Pomacanchis, at 4,163 m.a.s.l., The shepherds of the nearby communities also know it as Llamapukara: “they are not horns; they say they are the little ears of a llama that is alert to the presence of outsiders. “The fortress or shrine is well preserved, where there are stairs, a plaza, ceremonial enclosures and more.
Originally built by the Canas culture (pre-Inca civilisation) and later incorporated and expanded by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. Despite the name “fortress,” archaeologists believe it likely served ceremonial and religious purposes, possibly dedicated to mountain worship (apus).
Its strategic position also suggests it may have had defensive value.
Full Itinerary
Your unforgettable adventure starts early in the morning, around 4:00 am. Our expert adventure team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you along the road to the south valley of Cusco, en route to Puno. We will stop in Cusipata town for breakfast to boost your energy as you head up the mountain.
Our intrepid expert driver will take you along the ascending road, with a view over the Pomacanchis lagoon, shining in the early sun; this radiance will accompany you for a while, changing the beautiful landscapes at every turn. Passing by the colourful town, we will reach Santa Lucia, approximately 2 hrs., where we will begin our hike to the WAQRAPUKARA Fortress.
The distance is almost 8 km, which averages 1.5 hours of hiking. The route is flat; it is a comfortable road for every traveller who likes adventure and scenic places, with black walls and various springs and natural waterfalls along the way.
upon reaching the Wacrapucara fortress we will have the guide's explanation about the importance of the complex in the pre-Inca settlement and the later incorporation to the Inca empire, making some adaptations of the architecture and effectivity of the Inca engineering,
the view of this complex as unique due the location over the Apurimac canyon,
after the visit we will start our return by the same way to Cusipata where we will have lunch and hit the road to return to Cusco, for a trip of 1 hour 40 minutes Arriving in Cusco 4:00 pm
Included/Exclude
- Private tourist transportation (round trip)
- Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch)
- Professional tour guide •
- First aid kit
- Drinks
- Insurance of any kind
Note
The hike to Wacrapucara fortress is not that challenging. But it will take a full day to complete the adventure, and you will be at a high elevation (above 14,000ft) the entire hike. Make sure you are acclimatised to the altitude before you embark on this adventure! It is a good idea to take a day or two to acclimatise and to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the hike.
Recommendations, what to bring
The weather in the Andes is unpredictable! Please be prepared with warm clothing.
- Passport (copy or photo)
- A personal light backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Rain gear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sun blocker
- Gloves
- Personal medication
- Toilet paper
- Camera with charger and extra batteries
- Extra money (Soles)
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name, as written on your passport (please include a scanned copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Cusco.) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, or ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
Prices
Private service price: $200 pp (minimum two people)
Over 6 people $ 150 (please email us for a group over 6 people)
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
